Welcome to the Spring 2026 issue of
Buying and Using Utilities.
Published four times a year, Buying and Using Utilities magazine is delivered direct to the country’s most influential corporate energy and water buyers.
The Spring 2026 issue of Buying & Using Utilities arrives at a time when the pressures shaping energy and water costs for UK organisations are intensifying. From geopolitical tensions affecting global energy markets to rising non-commodity costs and evolving policy frameworks at home, businesses are navigating a landscape that is becoming more complex and more interconnected.
This issue explores how organisations can respond. Inside, we examine the changing role of corporate power purchase agreements (CPPAs), the growing importance of managing non-commodity costs, and how demand flexibility will become increasingly valuable in a system dominated by renewable generation. We also look at practical solutions – from on-site solar financing strategies to low-carbon heating and cooling using ATES, alongside insights into water policy reform, market infrastructure, and the transition to Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement.
Alongside these expert perspectives, we also preview the Buying & Using Utilities Live Spring Conference and Exhibition on 21 April at IET London, where energy and water professionals will come together to share ideas, compare strategies, and discuss the challenges ahead.
AR7 delivers record renewable capacity but key questions remain on cost and system balance. Eddie Proffit, Technical Director at MEUC, examines whether the numbers truly add up.
Waste less, reuse more, pay more – the Government’s Water White Paper has clear messages for business on water efficiency. MEUC’s Water Adviser Karma Loveday examines the implications for business.
In today’s unpredictable energy market, data alone is not enough. Claire Slade, MEUC’s Data and Communications Manager, explores how insight and shared experience can turn information into confident decisions.
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‘Low-carbon heating, reimagined’. Guest writer Professor Matthew Jackson,
Professor of Geological Fluid Mechanics at Imperial College London, explains how
ATES can transform building heating and cooling
Government’s targeting draws plenty of flak. Geoff Davies spotlights some significant developments, also turning the beam on to some heavy criticism.
BUU Live returns to IET London Savoy Place on Tuesday 21 April 2026. Robin Hale, Chief Executive, MEUC, previews
the conference.
Corporate Power Purchase Agreements are moving from niche finance tools to core energy strategy. Callum O’Reilly, Renewable Strategic Originator at Drax Energy Solutions, explains what this means for consumers.
With renewables dominating the power mix, timing your energy use now matters as much as volume. Tim Foster, Director of Energy for Business at Conrad Energy explores how demand is evolving into a strategic asset.
Energy procurement stands at a structural turning point. ENGIE Impact’s Commercial Lead – UK & EMEA, Arthur Beattie, examines why strategic, data-driven sourcing must now define the future.
The way companies account for purchased electricity is changing. Tom Parsons, Commercial Director at Good Energy, details what businesses must do to stay ahead of upcoming Scope 2 reforms.
For businesses facing higher water bills this April, efficiency offers a practical solution. Michael Carey, Wave’s Head of Public Sector Customers, highlights how the right retail support can unlock meaningful savings.
Drawing on new survey data, SEFE Energy examines how businesses are prioritising secure supply while accelerating decarbonisation and digital energy solutions.
The UK has rapidly expanded renewable
generation, but infrastructure hasn’t kept pace. UrbanChain says the next phase isn’t adding more megawatts, but improving coordination.
Stark reveals how MHHS migration isn’t just compliance, it’s an opportunity to control costs and optimise energy infrastructure.
Arthur Probert, Carbon and Consultancy Director at Ameresco, offers Four developments that can increase the appetite for Corporate Power Purchase Agreements.
Jon Kirby, Head of Development at SSE Energy Solutions, writes how major energy users can unlock the potential of on-site solar by structuring investment, ownership and risk to maximise long-term value.
Rising TNUoS and wider non-commodity
charges are reshaping the energy cost landscape for UK businesses. Stephen Evans, Industry Costing Manager at npower Business Solutions (nBS) outlines the scale of the challenge, and the
practical steps companies can take to stay ahead.
Jodie Eaton, CEO at Shell Energy UK explains practical solutions to today’s energy trilemma
David Kipling, CEO of On-Site Energy reveals practical steps for manufacturers
to measure, manage and reduce Scope
3 emissions, helping companies meet
regulatory requirements and strengthen their sustainability credentials.
CPPAs are reshaping corporate energy strategy. The Let’s Talk Power Team at EDF
explores how businesses can boost both financial resilience and sustainability.
Supporters Directory
A to Z Directory listing of MEUC Exhibitors and Supporters; companies that provide supply, procurement and management expertise and services.
Events coming up in 2026
(click images for more details)
